Abstract

The twin concepts of secrecy and transparency are central to any discourse on the freeness and
fairness of elections, because they are universally accepted yardsticks of the degree to which elections
can be said to be legitimate. Without challenging this truism, this paper explores these
concepts as both theoretical constructs and as manifested in empirical situations. It will highlight
their ideological function and argue that they have an alienating effect in practice. The article
will also attempt to show how secrecy and transparency have helped to shape Lesotho's
electoral process and the mode of its management, and will also discuss the issues and questions
that it raises. Next, the most critical issues in any debate concerning Lesotho's elections and
their management are raised, followed by the recommendation of an ideal way of managing
elections to serve the interest of voters better. Lastly, the paper demonstrates the danger of
depoliticising elections and relegating them to the legal sphere, which only the courts of law are
competent to interpret.